Madagascar is an island country located in Africa. It is one of the most beautiful countries to visit. The scenic beauty of the country makes you want to stay there for as long as possible. Madagascar has diverse wildlife which attracts people from around the world. The country boasts of many species of animals which makes them a hotspot for anyone who wants to experience animals in the wild. You will be able to easily sight majestic animals which have made this island country their home. Accommodation is easy and can be easily booked from the best hotel sites. Many animal parks and reserves operate in this country where you can get up close with these animals. You should aim to plan a trip during the best time to visit Madagascar.
In this article, we have given a detailed account of the best time to visit Madagascar along with the things you can do in those months. You will have a wonderful time taking in the breathtaking scary ad enjoying the hospitality of this country
Weather in Madagascar
Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Madagascar has a distinct climate pattern. This makes certain months emerge as the ideal time to travel to the African country. The country is located within the tropics and as expected it has a very standard tropical climate.
The temperature varies depending on the part of the country which you are visiting. You can expect the temperature to be around 18°C to 32°C throughout the year. You will not be needing any winter clothing no matter which time of the year you decide to visit.
The rains in Madagascar can sometimes manage to spoil your party. Regional rainfall can always occur but most of the rains are limited to the hot summer months. Rainfall in the off-seasons depends on the region of Madagascar which you are visiting. Even if you arrive at the best time to visit Madagascar, some rainfall might just accompany you.
The rainy season might even prevent you from visiting some areas which get cut off due to overflowing rivers. Occasionally the island country is also home to a few tropical cyclones mainly during the wet summer seasons.
Madagascar from January to March
January to March is the hot rainy season in Madagascar. Many tourists prevent traveling during this time as the rains can easily hamper your plans. Many of the roads get waterlogged and some areas become cut off from the rest of civilization. Mainly people try to avoid these months. Moreover, these are the hottest and the wettest months so they do not attract many suitors to Madagascar.
We suggest you try to avoid these months as the county is not the most hospitable during these months. There are some cyclone hotspots that are battered by tropical cyclones during these months. Most importantly, try to avoid the east coast as it is known for the strong cyclones during this time.
- Things to do
If you decide to visit during these months there are things which you can do despite the weather. While the weather might not be ideal, the wildlife during this time is at its peak. The rains bring out many of the wild animals and spotting them becomes very easy.
This is also the most active time for reptiles. So, if you’re interested in reptiles, this might be the best time to visit Madagascar. You can also visit the southern tip of Madagascar which receives less rain compared to the rest of the country.
These months are also the time for orchids to bloom. You will find over 1000 species of orchids on this island. Fields full of orchids are an amazing sight that you get to see in their full splendor during these months. If the weather permits, you can even try your hand at the 65km ultra-marathon called the Nosy Be Trials.
Madagascar from April to June
These months follow the rainy months and bring much milder weather conditions. The weather starts to improve in these months. Moreover, this is not the peak season for tourists so you get cheaper flights and accommodation while being able to partially avoid the rains. If you are on a budget, these months might just be the best time to visit Madagascar when you consider the value for money.
- Things to do
This is the beginning of the mating season for the lemurs. The male lemurs can be seen engaging in fights with one another which can be very entertaining. You can find these lemurs scattered all over Southern Madagascar. In addition to witnessing lemurs, this time of the year is ideal for surfing as well. There are great locations across Madagascar where you can surf the waves and pacify your hunger for adventure.
As the wind picks up, kite surfing becomes popular as well. While there are not many spots that offer this facility. If you find one be sure to try it out. Towards the latter half of this season, you will find some of the species of lemurs giving birth.
Nature lovers will find this to be the best time to visit Madagascar. You will not have to search too much to find these species of lemurs as they are quite common. You should carry good travel cameras to take great pictures of the wildlife
Madagascar from July to September
These months are popular among tourists as the best time to visit Madagascar. Autumn and winter start to set in which makes the weather very pleasant. The visitors who come to this country during this time get clear skies as most of the rain has been done. You can expect some localized showers but they do not spoil the trip you have planned.
The cooler weather temperatures make it the best time to visit Madagascar. If we are just talking about the month, most tourists regard September to be the best month to visit the country. However, this is the peak period for tourism in the country. Thus, accommodation and the cost of your trip will be at their highest.
- Things to do
In July, the tribes of Madagascar have their ceremonies which many tourists want to experience. They call it the Turning of the Bones. This is something that not many people get to experience. So, if you manage to get an opportunity to see it be sure to not miss it. While this movie is a celebration of death, music, and dance accompany it.
Whale watching is an activity that you can do anytime, this is the best time to spot them. Watching these majestic animals is something that everyone will find pleasing. Moreover, birdwatchers will find this time to be great for spotting different species of birds. The combination of weather and greenery is perfect for bird lovers.
Madagascar from October to December
The cold season gradually disappears and the country starts to become hotter. You will find the shift in weather not being the best time to visit Madagascar. The rains start to set in during December which makes the situation less than ideal.
- Things to do
If you plan a trip during this time, try to make it during October. During this time you will find newborn ring-tailed lemurs. Needless to say, this is the most iconic species of lemurs and you should not miss and opportunity to watch them. November is the Fossa mating season. These predators are quite difficult to track and this might be the best chance to catch a glimpse of them.
Rainy Day Activities in Madagascar
Localized rains can always happen in Madagascar. During these days you must find some great activities to keep yourself entertained. You can take part in quite a few things if rain hampers your original plans. Avoiding the first few months is the best way to prevent yourself from getting drenched.
Musee de la Photographie de Madagascar
This museum is one of the best ways to learn about the history of Madagascar. It is quite a new museum with multi-media displays to inform you about the history. The displays keep changing every 6 months and you will find new things every month. It is a great place to learn how much Madagascar has changed over the years.
If you arrived in Madagascar without much knowledge of the country., this is a great place to start. To make it interesting for the visitors, there are short films that show different aspects of Madagascar’s heritage and culture. The cafe attached to the museum is a great place to grab a quick bite and cherish the amazing views of the city which you get from there.
Timings: 10 AM-5 PM
Contact: +261 32 88 871 81
Location: 3GJM+QG7, Antananarivo, Madagascar (Get Directions)
Antisirabe Cathedral
Antisirabe Cathedral is a calm place to visit for anyone who is coming to Antisirabe. The architectural marvel of this place will keep you mesmerized for quite some time. On a rainy day, there is nothing better than spending some time exploring this cathedral.
The cathedral has stained glasses coupled with a sober interior. While there is not much to do at this place, you can surely spend some time seeing this beautiful building up close.
Location: Cathedral, B.P. 100, Antsirabe 110, Madagascar (Get Directions)
Is’Art Galerie
This is not just an average art gallery made by the government. Many creative artists and painters got together to make this place what it currently is. They organize exhibitions and events at the place to promote the art of Madagascar.
Moreover, there are weekly concerts which you can enjoy and a restaurant to grab a bite. This place offers a great way to meet the people of Madagascar who run the art scene. Visiting the place on a rainy day will make you feel that the day was not wasted. We feel this place should be on your list when you visit come during the best time to visit Madagascar.
Timings: 10 AM-6 PM
Contact: +261 33 25 148 71
Location: VC 59Q rue Vittori Françoise, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar (Get Directions)
Musee de la Gendarmerie
This is a military and police museum. While there is not much to do here you can see the different artifacts on display. If you are a history buff, this might be one of the most exciting places to visit in Madagascar. For everyone else, it’s a great place to learn a bit more about the people of Madagascar.
Timings: 10 AM-6 PM
Contact: +33 1 64 14 54 64
Location: 1-3 Rue Emile Leclerc, 77000 Melun, France (Get Directions)
Madablu Dive
Exploring the coast of Madagascar is a fun way to spend a rainy day. This diving spot is excellent for seeing the marine life of Madagascar. They have trained divers who accompany you on your trip and ensure you are safe at all times.
Tourists who take these dives have witnessed shoals of fishes, sea turtles, sharks, and much more. Additionally, the companies even arrange for videos and photographs of the trip at the request of the tourists.
Timings: 9 AM-6 PM
Contact: +261 32 75 943 72
Location: 13°19.963′ E 048°11.095′ MADABLU B.P. 345, Hell Ville – Nosy Be 207, Madagascar (Get Directions)
Conclusion:
Madagascar has unrivaled natural beauty. Most of the tourists plan to visit the country around September which is considered to be the best time to visit Madagascar. However, if you plan a trip during the other months you will still have a lot to do on the island. You do not have to plan your trip around the best time to visit Madagascar.
However, it is best if you avoid the rainy months. Whenever you come to Madagascar you will be greeted with lovely people and a mesmerizing landscape that will make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise. So get ready to pack your bags and experience all that Madagascar has to offer to its visitors all around the year.